Giving Opportunity — Neuroscience, Learning Environments & Empathetic Design with Hila Stern

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, recorded live at EDspaces, Darlene Akers sits down with Hila Stern, Principal of HSB Architecture, for an inspiring conversation about how neuroscience and empathetic design can transform learning environments.Together, they explore how science-informed school design influences emotion, focus, connection, and overall student wellbeing. Hila shares how natural light, movement, biophilic elements, and flexible spaces create classrooms where students feel grounded, teachers feel supported, and communities flourish.What you’ll learn:What neuroscience reveals about how space impacts emotion and learningWhy natural light, views, and biophilic design elevate student engagementHow flexible, choice-driven environments support neurodiverse and neurotypical learnersThe power of bringing research and empathy into school architectureReal examples of schools uplifted through intentional, research-backed designIf you’re a school leader, educator, architect, or education professional passionate about innovative learning environments and student wellbeing, this episode offers powerful insight into designing spaces that truly serve learners.Follow Bold Women Collective on Spotify for weekly conversations amplifying women shaping the future of education.Recorded at EDspaces